Minister in Gogoi govt involved in Assam violence: AGP

NEW DELHI: Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today blamed a state minister for the ongoing clashes between Bodos and immigrant Muslims in Assam, saying the ambitious politician was causing trouble for Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi by using his links with former militants.

The opposition leader claimed the infighting in ruling Congress in Assam has cost the lives of so many people in the violence in Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts.

"It all started with a minister in Tarun Gogoi government aspiring to replace him (Gogoi) by causing trouble for him using his media connection and links with former militants in Bodo areas," Mahanta said without mentioning the minister's name.

The former chief minister alleged the state government has failed to take steps for building confidence among the displaced people as it did not deploy security forces at right places.

Asked about alleged involvement of Bangladeshi elements in the violence, Mahanta said it cannot be ruled out but only an impartial investigation could find out the truth.

"International border is still open. Illegal immigration keeps going on. Government must take urgent steps to identify those people and deport them," the two-time Assam CM said.

Mahanta also demanded that the Central government must initiate dialogue with Bangladesh so that Dhaka takes back all illegal immigrants living in Assam.